Space Mission 1: Astronomy, Astronauts & Exploration-(Semester Course, Ages 6-9)

This Space Adventure is crammed-packed with information and fun! Students will learn about the Solar System, and how to Compare & Contrast the planets in our Solar System; Discuss the Earth & Moon and how they are unique from other planets and moons; Explore telescopes, how & why we use them; Identify several main constellations; Learn about Astronauts and how they train; Categorize the main Types of Spacecraft sent into space by humans; Discuss where Astronauts might go in the future; & Examine different Objects Orbiting Earth, as well as other objects seen in Space. 

I have always had a love of space, from the moment my grandpa, an amateur astronomer, let me look through the 10-foot telescope he built all by himself, to watching shuttles & satellites lift into the sky, and watching some fall back to the earth. I have spotted some of the largest dust storms to hit Mars, and have enjoyed looking at the various craters on our Moon and seeing the rings around Saturn, all from my own backyard in Missouri & while using telescopes, including the ones my grandpa & I built together! I have never ceased my exploration and search, looking to the skies to watch for eclipses, comets, and so much more! My love of all things Space has only increased with time, and I feel it is the next great wave of the future! 
As a teacher with three different degrees, including a Master’s Degree in Teaching, I have taken several science courses, including those dealing with Astronomy. I also have over 30 years of experience working with children of various ages, teaching a variety of topics, including Astronomy, Arts & Crafts, Music, Business, Computers and more! I love to share my knowledge with the next generation as I hope to instill the awe-inspiring beauty the Unknown Universe holds, as well as encourage students to dream and believe! I hope to see you in class as we take on this Amazing Space Mission!

There will be materials posted in the Outschool Classroom, such as the notes, videos, color pages, and other informational & learning materials to enhance the presented classroom material. This is optional to complete, however, many students find it interesting and want to do these. They are not required but are offered as a means of driving the learner to an enhanced exploration of space. 
We will also be completing a Space Adventure Class Project together & students will be asked to research a particular planet before our last class. They will then help us create a perfect Space Mission trip by giving us information and details about their researched planet. They may also wish to show the class pictures, models, etc., which will be used to make our last Mission to Space unforgettable! 

Students will apply the learning & knowledge gained during this course by Creating and Presenting an Interactive & Class-Created Space Adventure Class Project, which will assess students’ overall understanding and ability in the areas covered.
Discussion, games & other formative assessments will be utilized throughout our classes to determine students are comprehending and retaining the information being presented.

45 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.

Various website will be utilized by the teacher during the presentation of material, including those for game-based and visual learning. Teacher will have lessons and assignments, as well as videos and more available before and/or after class in the classroom, which will be downloadable.
Nasa.gov will be used extensively.